AmScope MD35 microscope camera review
I bought this microscope since this is one of the suggested solutions for virtual double-heading to check it out, as well as for my own personal use. As I understand it, individual departments have discretion over how to use the money from HEE for digital reporting therefore may look at different options. Feel free to send in any other reviews, experiences or suggestions.
Specifications
Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, Mac OS X, and Linux computers
USB 2.0
Resolution: 0.3 MP (640 x 480)
Frame rate: 25 fps @ 640x480
3 mounting sizes: 23mm, 30mm and 30.5mm
Original website here for further information here: https://amscope.co.uk/products/0-3-mega-pixel-usb-live-video-microscope-imager-digital-camera
Advantages:
Excellent value for money at 29.99
Plug and play set up - works like a webcam and compatible with any webcam compatible software; worked on my trust computer despite the trust disabling the native Windows camera app (but still enabling things like Microsoft One Note that act as a workaround)
Images that show decent detail but are low-res enough to work live via virtual reporting and have smaller file sizes without needing to edit them.
Worked with videoconferencing software like Webex and Zoom, provided you do not move too fast
Portable
Has two adapters so that it fits in a range of microscopes with different eyepiece sizes
Allows video as well as still pictures
Available on amazon prime which if you have it means very quick delivery (and probably an easy return)
Disadvantages:
Have to rotate camera in the eyepiece to get it so that when you move the slide around the stage it moves in the same way as it would do normally
Software comes in a CD which barely any PCs have these days but seem to be able to find it on the website here, but may not be able to install on a trust PC: https://amscope.co.uk/pages/software-downloads
Have to take out one of your eyepieces to use
Narrow field of view (very zoomed in even on 2x; difficult to give a third party a helicopter view virtually)
Note you can get around this somewhat by popping the slide on the substage light and flipping up your condenser than focusing if you want to give a third party an idea of the overall architecture. Not ideal by any means.
There are other workarounds for this problem that involve using a reduction lens; however, these are not available for this camera.
Low res therefore blurry images; to my eye this is more noticeable at the lower power objectives
General digital path disadvantages in terms of a static 2D image although you can get around this by generating a video instead of a photo
For more information about microscope cameras and what the specifications mean, please see this article:
Here are some alternative cameras to consider:
Similar cameras which included reduction lenses to improve the field of view: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PB2R7FG/ref=twister_B07P6Q6VDJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Another camera tested by a colleague:
https://www.gtvision.co.uk/epages/es141397.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es141397/Products/0814
Summary and Conclusion
Cheap and cheerful portable image solution for microscope users on a budget that is impressive value for money. However there are problems that reflect the low price, like the very narrow field of view. The low resolution helps in some ways with live conferencing but that is not ideal for taking pictures.
I bought it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B005NC9OMK/ref=dp_olp_afts?ie=UTF8&condition=all&qid=1592987917&sr=8-1